IVENS-SOUNDS TO EXPIRE TO OBESE RECORDS
This review, along with all my others, are obviously geared towards certain types of Hip Hop fans. The type of fans that ignore the commercially saturated radio waves and so called video channels. The type of fans who are willing to take a chance on what some might not consider conventional. Nasty Nas (better known as Nas), released an album that claimed that Hip Hop was dead. And although some might think this is true, Ivens’ “Sounds to Expire To” proves the contrary. This seminal release by Ivens is proof that Hip Hop isn’t dead but, is in fact very much alive and is being held hostage; purposely suppressed so that the corporate conglomerates can stuff their pockets with more loot while bombarding all facets of entertainment (audio and visual) with garbage.
To the rescue is Australia’s Ivens “Sounds to Expire To”! It’s funny how even though Ivens reps the down under, “Sounds to Expire To” is like everything you loved about hip-hop before it went all flashy and pop domestically. Ivens is a well-rounded battle rapper and writer in his own right, reminiscent of a younger and hungrier EL-P. Plutonic Lab step in as a major production force concocting sick beats that are stranger than the most abstract, heavier than the most metal, blacker and more claustrophobic than the most industrial. “S.T.E.T.” consists of 13 tracks in which Ivens and Plutonic Lab take chaos and carnage and twists them into musical shapes which strain, struggle and bend against the boundaries of the art form.
Ivens’ distinctive style is laced with spitfire delivery, relentless wordplay and. is a refreshing blend of knowledge, truth, and exceptional wit. His lyrics are a diverse and dynamic representation of hip-hop. The opening line on the “Intro” sets it off:
“Re-alignment of the frame works coming to pass let’s bend and shape/
Splintered driftwood overlooked seen as an accessory for the taking/
Craftsmanship from a different plain story boards that need no order/
Original etchings fine tuned to the point they seemed distorted.”
As a fan of this incredible art called Hip Hop, I along with many others grow increasingly frustrated that Artists/Groups like this are constantly overlooked. Tracks like “The Grudge” or my favorite “Well Oiled Machine” offer proof that these tracks can hang on any radio station played alongside any commercial artist. Yet the musical playing field is still uneven. Other notable tracks include my second favorite joint “MODLITONTHEMANOCORNUTO”, “Ninth Letter” and every other track I didn’t name. Any fan that is appreciative of dope music will easily connect with this release. To me, this is easily the best LP of this year and should get multiple mentions in all media outlets. Ivens once again proves that there is great music out there if you’re willing to take a chance on it. Trust me, take a chance on this cause you won’t regret it! To support Ivens please check him and Plutonic Lab @ http://www.myspace.com/daveivens. Thanx CyPhEr777
